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Meetings with Pope Paul VI

First Meeting March 1972

The first meeting between Sri Chinmoy and Pope Paul VI took place in the Vatican. Sri Chinmoy presented the Pope with three books he had written: Songs of the Soul, My Lord's Secrets Revealed and My Rose Petals. The Pope accepted them with great joy and said very sincerely, "I shall read these books." Then he added, "I shall certainly read each one."

During the meeting, Sri Chinmoy said to Pope Paul VI, "I am deeply impressed with your philosophy. You say that materialism and spirituality must go side by side. My humble philosophy also says the same. The inner life of aspiration and the outer life of manifestation must go together, one fulfilling the other in a divine way." At this point the Pope said in English to Sri Chinmoy, "I admire your philosophy."

Then he said in Italian, and another interpreter translated it into English, "The Hindu life and the Christian life shall go together. Your message and my message are the same."

Towards the end of the meeting, the Pope said to Sri Chinmoy "When we both leave this world, you and I, we will meet together.". He also presented Sri Chinmoy with a Papal Medal.

The second meeting also took place in the Vatican a year later. Sri Chinmoy again presented Pope Paul VI with some of my books. Pope Paul VI replied,

"Last year I promised you that I would read your books. I read them. I deeply enjoyed them. I want to tell you that I am truly proud of your service to the United Nations. You are an Indian. I am also proud of your country."

The Pope presented Sri Chinmoy with a medallion and said, "I give you this as a token of my love for you." Sri Chinmoy remarked that: "During the conversation we faced each other with folded hands. I saw in him a soul's smile which was at once psychic, pensive and tinged with a subtle sadness."